Climbing community bands together to promote #SafeOutside initiative; aims to shed light and change on the prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in the climbing community.

On May 3, 2018, world-class pro climber and Insta-famous athlete and speaker — Sasha DiGiulian — ripped the lid open on the hushed conversation of sexual harassment and misconduct in the climbing community with a single post that began:

“As a community we need to uphold ourselves to higher standards than permitting defamatory, assaulting behavior.”

The post, which was accompanied by “rise against bullying” artwork, would go on to outline years of social media bullying at the hands of a male pro climber, and call out the climbing community to rise up to put a stop to it. The single post quickly racked up more than 9,000 likes and nearly 1,000 comments, and for the first time, in the decades that men and women had been scaling rock faces and conquering mountainsides, a real and loud conversation began about the dark underbelly of climbing. The bully in this particular story is Joe Kinder — a celebrated and (formerly) sponsored climber who repeatedly harassed female climbers on Instagram under a fake account name. DiGiulian wasn’t the only one fed up with Kinder’s unwanted words and repeated harassment. Shortly after she took to social media to voice her frustrations, fellow professional climber Courtney Sanders came forward with her own emotionally taxing story of combating Kinder’s cyber bullying, stating:

“I hope the climbing community can one day be less negative bc [because] at the root of sarcasm is cowardice.”

In the days following Kinder’s public call-out, the popular climber’s professional world fell apart. Black Diamond and LaSportiva both severed ties with Kinder, who took to social media himself to publicly apologize to his more than 70,000 Instagram followers for his behavior. The posts that would follow on his account were seemingly heartfelt and positive tributes to some of the top women in climbing. But for many members of the climbing community, it wasn’t enough. Four months later, the #SafeOutside initiative was born.

Safety in Climbing Means More Than Just a Good Belay

In the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault (SHSA) in the Climbing Community report funded, produced and released on August 27 by the American Alpine Club, out of 5,311 climbers surveyed, it was found that 16 percent of men and 47 percent of women have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault during climbing activities. Catcalling was overwhelmingly reported by both genders, with 57 percent of women surveyed reporting verbal harassment, 40 percent of women surveyed reporting unwanted following, 29 percent of women surveyed reporting unwanted touching, and three percent of women and three percent of men surveyed reporting rape. The numbers are staggering and disheartening. In an activity celebrated for strength and drive, women and men are having to push past unwanted touching, bullying, and even rape on climbing expeditions and trips to enjoy their sport of choice.

A forward to the report by AAC President Deanne Buck, and AAC CEO Phil Powers, stated, “to ignore this reality [survey findings], to mislead ourselves that climbing is somehow immune from the problems of the ordinary world or that our camaraderie somehow precludes bad behavior—is irresponsible.” Initially activated by a grassroots task force formed around criminology researcher Callie Marie Rennison, data scientist Charlie Lieu, and Katie Ives — editor-in-chief of Alpinist Magazine, the #SafeOutside initiative would go on to publish survey findings and launch with a mission to combat SHSA with the following goals:

1.) Collect data

2.) Create safe space for, and inspire conversation

3.) Motivate organizational and individual action

4.) Drive deep policy work and education programs

The Numbers Don’t Lie

The Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault in the Climbing Community report shed light on an undeniable problem within the world of climbing. Many respondents to the survey reported a change in their engagement with climbing after experiencing SHSA. Disengagement from the climbing community, reduction or elimination of travel for climbing purposes and limited climbing activities to groups of people were all responses to experiencing SHSA. The 17-page report outlines recommended actions to help address these prevalent issues. The report highlights bystander intervention as an important step in creating a more safe community. The report also emphasizes that understanding the problem and confronting the problem has potential to change the world and make an impact on the issue at hand.

On August 27, participating organization from North America’s largest climbing organizations teamed up to publicly announce their support and commitment to addressing sexual harassment and assault in the climbing community. Moving forward, the #SafeOutside initiative will continue to work toward destigmatizing SHSA and facilitate a conversation using facts and education.

The report, and the task force pledge to use the data to create change, noting that our words have power and asking supporters to pledge to listen, believe survivors, end victim blaming, promote consent, respect boundaries and stand up against sexual harassment and sexual assault.

A new scholarship aims to bridge the mentorship gap in memoriam of a teen who fell to his death in Boulder’s Flatirons.

One Sunday evening last August, Carter Christensen scrambled, unroped, up the First Flatiron, the northernmost peak of the iconic rock formations dominating Boulder’s skyline. Near the summit, the 17-year-old posted a selfie on Instagram. In it, he’s smiling; a ball cap, sunglasses, and headphones frame his face; the lichen-covered sandstone drops down below him.

But before the sun set, police would report the teenager’s body was found at the Flatiron’s base. The evidence showed that he fell to his death from at least 100 feet above.

“That’s not a new thing, unfortunately,” says Doug Maiwurm, Colorado Mountain Club’s (CMC) youth program manager. As rock climbing’s popularity has grown, he’s observed more people trying the sport, which, of course, not only requires specific technical knowledge, but also good decision-making skills—two elements commonly in short supply as teenagers approach new tasks.

To help fill the ballooning void that’s developed between experienced climbers and novices, Christensen’s parents approached CMC in early 2018 to create the Carter Christensen Climbing Scholarship. “They wanted something positive to come out of [their traumatic experience],” says Maiwurm.

Up and running this summer, the scholarship supports teenagers attending CMC’s rock climbing courses, which CMC hopes will foster mentor relationships. Once the summer courses end, meetups will continue throughout the academic year, extending mentorship opportunities as well as Christensen’s legacy.

“We want to promote good judgement, responsibility and decision-making in kids,” Maiwurm says. “There’s only going to be more of a need for that as the sport continues to grow.”

A perennial favorite of powder hounds, this charming town in Gunnison County is also a bucket-list destination during the warmer months.

The last great ski town. A mountain biking mecca. The Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Crested Butte has garnered quite the reputation in the last few decades, and frankly, it’s deserved. The Gunnison County town is loaded with year-round adventures, fosters a warm and charming community feel, and boasts a diverse and delicious dining scene to boot. Unlike some other Colorado resort cities, the locals here are always down to share the best CB has to offer. Best of all? You needn’t brave I-70 to get there. The four-hour drive on Highway 285 curves through scenic mountain passes, where you’re more likely to spot a herd of elk or some wandering antelope than sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic. In short: Crested Butte is at the top of our list of Colorado’s must-visit towns. Here’s what you should know when you go.

The Odometer: 228 miles (about a four-hour drive from Denver), one-way

Get Outside

While Crested Butte is most commonly known for its world-class skiing, the town offers a plethora of adventures all year long. In the warmer months, CB is a destination for its many, multi-level mountain biking trails. For a dose of history before you ride, head to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and learn about the pioneers who inspired the town’s modern-day trail network.

Photo courtesy of Trent Bona/Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Beginners should try the Lower Loop and Upper Lower Loop, an easy ride that starts and finishes at the edge of the town’s condensed downtown area. Choose either the wide path or single track—both lead to the beginning of the Lower Loop and Upper Lower Loop, which ambles along the Slate River. More experienced riders will enjoy riding the Snodgrass 403–401 combo ride, which kicks off at the Snodgrass trailhead, wraps around Snodgrass Mountain, and includes phenomenal views of the Maroon Bells and five fourteeners along the way. Be sure your climbing lungs are ready to roll before tackling this popular trail. (FYI, Snodgrass ends its summer season early. It’s already closed for the rest of 2018.)

Crested Butte is also home to the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association, the oldest known mountain bike club in the world. Its website is a great resource for finding the best trail for you, as well as checking trail statuses. Need to borrow a bike while in town? The Alpineer is a longtime outfitter that rents full-suspension mountain bikes for $49.95 for a half-day, and $75.95 for the full day. If you’re looking for a bigger two-wheeled adventure, head up to Crested Butte Mountain Resort and tackle the designated downhill trails with lift access, or test your skills on one of the resort’s two skills zones. No matter your expertise, the resort has a mountain biking adventure for you.

If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, hit the trail to peep some gorgeous alpine colors. In the summer, the town is dubbed the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” and even hosts a week-long festival to celebrate its blooms each July. Swing through the Wildflower Festival office (located in town) to grab a free printed wildflower guide, and explore on your own. By the time fall arrives, the surrounding landscape trades its colorful wildflowers for some of the state’s best leaf-peeping. You can’t go wrong on any of the many hiking trails in and around town, but we like the easily accessible Woods Walk, which comes alive with lupines and columbine flowers in the late summer months, as well as the challenging, 10.2-mile hike from Crested Butte to Aspen (or reverse), which tallies a 2,357-foot elevation gain.

Eat & Drink

Photograph by Tyra Sutak

Don’t let this quaint mountain town fool you—Crested Butte boasts an exceptional (and diverse) dining scene. Begin your day like the locals do: With a cup of fresh-roasted at Camp 4 Coffee or First Ascent Coffee Roasters. When lunchtime rolls around, let your appetite be your guide. Grab a hearty burger (or even a messy chili dog) at the Last Steep Bar & Grill. Or, if the sun is shining, take to the patio at Bonez Tequila Bar + Grill. Here, you can drink your way through the seemingly never-ending margarita offerings, while digging into flavorful plates of tacos, which start at $13.95.

Now let’s talk aprés. The place to be (and to show off any new biking wounds) after a day on the trails is Brick Oven Pizzeria & Pub. This CB staple has a huge selection of pizzas to choose from, as well as a beer list that rivals any major Front Range beer bar. Take your pick from world-class brews from 30 different taps, or choose a selection from the Brick’s semi-secret cellar, which houses some of the best beers released in the past decade. When the temperature starts to drop, you won’t find a cozier spot than the Dogwood. Housed in an old miner’s cabin, this quaint spot is known for mixing creative cocktails with their infused spirits and offers awesome happy hour prices from Tuesday through Sunday.

If you can manage to snag a table before the place fills up, the Ginger Cafe is an excellent place for some tasty (and heaping) Thai- and Indian-inspired dishes. But to eat like a local, be sure to grab a meal at the Sunflower Deli—a small, family-owned restaurant specializing in farm-to-table dining. Don’t even bother looking up the menu before your visit; it’s probably already changed. But we’ll bet you’ll love whatever creative and beautifully plated seasonal dishes are being served at the moment.

Stay

Photo courtesy of Tom Stillo/Crested Butte Mountain Resort

The Inn at Crested Butte offers primo proximity to the shops and restaurants in town, without breaking the bank. Find rates at this comfortable property starting at $159 during the busy summer months, which provides guests with complimentary wifi, breakfast, coffee, and freshly baked cookies, as well as free cruiser bike rentals. Like any good ski town, CB also has a hostel—the Crested Butte Lodge & Hostel—which provides basic accommodations for under $100 per night. For a broader selection of lodging options, Crested Butte Mountain Resort has you covered—from spacious condos perfect for accommodating the entire family, to beautiful hotel rooms overlooking the busy ski resort and Mount Crested Butte. Elk Avenue and the town’s main drag is only a short bike ride or free shuttle ride away.

For Families

Photo courtesy of Tom Stillo/Crested Butte Mountain Resort

A good sign that a travel destination is family friendly is a great local ice cream joint, and Crested Butte’s hometown shop is about as good as they come. Third Bowl Homemade Ice Cream serves up heaping scoops of the house-made treat, and is conveniently located off Elk Avenue. It’s the perfect way to end a day playing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s Adventure Park, open from June to October. Enjoy mini-golf, rock climbing, a bungee jump trampoline, and even prospecting for gems—a fun throwback to Crested Butte’s notorious mining days. Day passes for children ages 7 to 12 are $17, and passes for adults are $20 per person.

Shopping

Photo courtesy of Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte has a thriving arts community, so much so that the Crested Butte Creative District is recognized as one of the official designated creative arts districts in the state. Galleries are found up and down Elk Avenue and full of locally created photography, jewelry, paintings, and sculptures inspired by the quaint town and its natural surroundings. Don’t miss Paragon Gallery and Crested Butte Center for the Arts, both of which serve as co-op spaces where multiple artists work and display their creativity. Forgot a rain jacket or need to pick up some new hiking boots? Chopwood Mercantile is a locally owned outdoor shop packed with all the apparel and gear you need to play outside. Plus, you can gather some insider’s tips on where to hike, bike, and even stand-up paddle board from the knowledgable staff while you shop.

If You Do One Thing

To really get a feel for this charming town, spend some time strolling Elk Avenue. Crested Butte’s main vein is full of historic charm, beautifully restored Victorian-style houses, independently owned shops and art galleries, and busy restaurants showcasing Crested Butte’s many culinary talents. The welcoming vibe, coupled with the breathtaking surroundings, will make it hard to leave this mountain utopia. But rest assured, there’s always more to discover on your next visit.

In 1963, on a harrowing first ascent of the Diagonal Direct route on Longs Peak’s Diamond, a 20-year-old climber named Tex Bossier almost lost his life. Decades later, his son returned to the mighty mountain to pay tribute to his father’s life and spread his ashes in the place that made him feel the most alive.

Through the window of his restaurant Jack’s Bar & Grill in Arvada, Colorado, Jack Miller can’t break his gaze from a snow-capped Longs Peak towering in the distance. His eyes begin to mist over as a smile spreads across his face. He shares story after story of his father, Tex Bossier an extraordinary man who helped develop the sport of climbing as a teenager.

In the world of climbing, there are countless legends—superhumans, fearless adrenaline junkies and trailblazers. But in the beginning, climbing began with ordinary men and women with an extraordinary sense of adventure and strength. Tex Bossier was one of those climbers.

As a kid growing up in Port Arthur, Texas, Floyd Allen Texas “Tex” Bossier was known more for his wild hair, propensity for laughter and passion for the people around him rather than his ability to scramble up rock faces. At 17, in 1961, the curious climber made a name for himself as one-half of the duo that put up the Culp-Bossier route on Rocky Mountain National Park’s Hallet Peak—a Grade III, 5.8+ route, the most difficult of its kind at the time.

“These are the things about climbing and first ascent climbing. In specific, you carry on a language or a non-verbal conversation with the earth,” said Bossier in a transcript from Patagonia’s archives.

Having caught a case of wanderlust, the freeminded young climber landed in Boulder on the premise of attending the University of Colorado, but in reality, Bossier was looking to live out his childhood dreams of exploring the mountains and rugged landscapes that had leapt out from the TV screen and captivated him as kid. The mesmerizing pull of the Rocky Mountains proved magnetic, and soon Bossier was spending much of his time exploring the nooks and crannies of Rocky Mountain National Park, using nuts and bolts scavenged while he walked local train tracks as protection on exposed routes.

Bossier’s career almost came to an abrupt end in 1963 on a first ascent on Longs Peak, however.

“The ledge was very narrow, with the Diamond above you and that whole lower wall below,” recounted Bossier later for the book Climb: The History of Rock Climbing in Colorado. “[Layton]Kor nailed in a piton for a belay and said, ‘On belay.’ Crossing in his footsteps, I got about half way across when some of the snow gave way and I half fell over backwards. One leg stayed in the step. I was on my back with my head looking down the lower wall. The whole panorama of the face went by as I fell backwards.” He and Kor went on to complete the new route, Diagonal Direct (V+ 5.8 A4), which was not repeated for another 10 years.

The sport of climbing began too take off. Starting in the late 1950s, Bossier’s good friend and climbing partner Yvon Chouinard started selling handmade hard-iron pitons and later, less harmful hexagonals to the growing climbing community. In 1973, Bossier joined him one of the first sales reps of Chouinard Equipment, and later as Patagonia’s national sales manager. His passion for climbing and mountains was infectious, and soon he began guiding and teaching the sport to hundreds of new enthusiasts, including Phil Powers, now CEO of the American Alpine Club.

In 2015, at the age of 71, Tex Bossier lost a battle with cancer and passed away in Annecy, France—the country he had called home since moving to Chamonix in 1987 to help establish Patagonia’s European business. Longtime friends Yvon and Malinda Chouinard and the entire Patagonia community mourned in the only way they knew how to deal with the passing of someone who, to them, had been larger than life. They told stories and laughed.

In 2017, renowned climbers and friends of Bossier, Lynn Hill and Fred Knapp, fulfilled the climbing legend’s final wishes by hauling a portion of his ashes up the Culp-Bossier route on Hallet Peak. Another portion would be buried in Germany, and Bossier’s son, Miller, returned the rest of his father‘s remains to wind on Longs Peak.

“I know that’s where he is,“ says Jack Miller still telling those stories and looking out the window of Jack’s Bar & Grill with a grin so big, it’d be hard to miss—even from 14,259 feet.

If you’ve already set the goal to tackle a fourteener (or two, or three, or four) this year, than you’ve most likely already thought about the big gear that you’ll need to get you up and back down the mountain safely. Your hiking boots are probably comfortably worn in by now, you already have that lightweight pack and functional layering system down. But before you embark on your journey to the summit, make sure to check out these 10 pieces of gear extras that will make your peakbagging season that much sweeter.

GRAYL Ultralight Purifier

Keeping your body hydrated is one of the most important factors to reaching the summit. GRAYL’s lightweight and easy-to-use Ultralight Purifier bottle makes it easy to purify water from fresh streams and alpine lakes along your hike, ensuring you have plenty of water to keep hydrated throughout your hike. With one press, the GRAYL bottle filters 99.9999 percent of viruses, disease-causing bacteria and protozoan cysts as well as sediment and silt, chlorine and heavy metals. Purifier cartridges last up to 300 uses and replaceable cartridges can be purchased for $24.95, making it a reliable water purifier for your fourteener adventures for years to come. $59.95; thegrayl.com

Smartwool Men’s Merino 150 Micro Stripe Boxer Brief

Unmentionables are the most underrated piece of outdoor apparel, which is why more brands are offering technical underwear and bras to hold up to a variety of adventures. Smartwool has an entire collection of undergarments for both women and men, like the Men’s Merino 150 Micro Strip Boxer Brief that utilize Merino 150, a breathable, soft and lightweight fabric that helps regulate body temperature, stave off odor, and resist moisture — ultimately making your lengthly, sweaty hike a more comfortable one. $45; smartwool.com

Sierra Designs Elwah Pant

Colorado’s finicky weather isn’t much of a secret. One minute it’s blue skies and sunshine, and the next you’re caught in a downpour, which can be dangerous and make for an uncomfortable hike if you’re not prepared. Enter Sierra Designs Elwah Pant. Made from a breathable stretch polyester rip fabric, these pants pack up into the rear pocket, taking up minimal space in your pack, and feature fully waterproof taped seams, and an elasticized waist and storm flap zip system that makes it easy to quickly pull these pants on over your boots at the onset of inclement weather. Available in both men’s and women’s sizing. $79; sierradesigns.com

Fits Light Hiker – Crew Socks

Nothing puts a damper on hiking excursions quite like blisters. They’re the worst, and once they’ve infiltrated your foot, there’s nothing you can do to get rid of them. So prevent them, by investing in some of the best tech socks on the market. Year after year, Fits continues to garner a big following the hiking community thanks to their patented Full Contact Fit, which hugs the contours of your foot, leaving less room for slippage, and blisters. The crew fit is the company’s most popular hiking sock. Made from a combination of merino wool, nylon, polyester and lycra, this sock will keep your foot dry, and provide extra cushioning in the heel, toe and arch areas. $21.99; fitssock.com

Buff Multi-Functional Headwear

Fourteeners are no joke, and while the journey to the summit typically start before sunrise, it’s best to be prepared to trudge it out for long periods of time under the Colorado sun. Not only does Buff’s line of headwear come in many fashionable prints and colors, it’s multi-functional and can be worn in 12 different ways to block up to 95 percent of UV rays from the head, face, neck, ears and sunburn prone places on your upper body. Buff’s headwear also features COOLMAX® PRO technology that wicks moisture and dries faster, and a Polygiene treatment designed to resist odors. $25; buffusa.com

Body Glide Outdoors

Whether it’s your first, or fourteenth, conquering any fourteener should be done in well broken-in hiking boots. But even when you think your boots are ready to hit the trail, there’s still a chance that you’re hiking in your favorite footwear will end with blisters, which is why Body Glide released a balm to help prevent that from happening. Simply rub some of outdoor balm around your heel and foot before pulling on your tech socks and hiking boots and stop blisters, and painful afternoons on the trail, before they start. $9.99; bodyglide.com

Mountain Hardwear Women’s Breeze VNT™ Long Sleeve Hoody

Adding a breathable long sleeve base layer to your peakbagging kit is not only important to keep up with the changing weather throughout your hike, but important to help shield your shoulders and arms from the sun. Mountain Hardwear’s Women’s Breeze VNT™ Long Sleeve Hoody is so comfortable and breathable, you won’t mind wearing it, even when the chill of the early morning wears off and the blistering sun sets in for the day. This lightweight layer is extremely packable and handy in facing changing weather on the mountain. $85; mountainhardwear.com

Honey Stinger Cracker N’ Nut Butter Snack Bars

Tasty, energizing trail snacks should be a staple in any hiking pack, and Honey Stinger makes some of the best. Stash a few of the company’s delicious and organic Cracker N’ Nut Butter snack bars and enjoy the honey-based energy boost and peanut butter protein power when you need a little extra help blazing your way to the top. $26.40/ box of 12; honeystinger.com

Topical Edge Performance and Recovery Lotion

There’s a point in every strenuous hike where your muscles start to scream, and that moment is what inspired the Topical Edge Performance and Recovery Lotion. Available in stashable individual packets or 10 ounce tubes, this lotion releases sodium bicarbonate directly through the skin to help strip out acid build-up in muscles, reducing muscle soreness by 53 percent. This tried and tested performance and recovery lotion is perfect for those moments along the trail when your calves are crying out and your legs need a little extra help pushing forward. $35 per 10 ounce tube; topicaledge.com

BarCountry Pocket Cocktails

Let’s be real, the idea of sipping on a cold adult beverage on the summit of your favorite peak is a major motivational driver. If craft beer isn’t quite your thing, than load up a small flask with your favorite liquor and stash one of Pocket Cocktail’s dehydrated cocktail mixes in your pack to easily mix your own delicious drink to savor at the top. Pocket Cocktails are available in fun flavors like Coconut-Lime Margarita, Bloody Mary and Cherry-Infused Old Fashioned.$9.99; barcountrycocktails.com

Head to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area to make the trek to Lake Isabelle, and get a front-row view of one of the most iconic ridgelines in Colorado along the way.

Length: 4.5 miles, out-and-backDifficulty: Easy to moderateWhy We Love It: The view of a sparkling Lake Isabelle framed by jagged granite peaks is the kind of picture-perfect scene that nature lovers pine for.Pre-hike Buzz: Whether you’re about to begin your hike, or just hopping off of the trail, Salto Coffee Works in nearby Nederland is an excellent place to fuel up pre-hike, or to grab a rewarding post-hike adult beverage.When to go: June through October; summer for wildflowers and fall for autumn huesRestrooms: Yes. You’ll find well-maintained restrooms at both the Brainard Lake Recreation Area Trailhead and the Long Lake TrailheadDogs: Yes, on leashFee: Don’t forget cash or a check: There is an $11 service fee to enter the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.Distance from Denver: About 50 miles

No matter the season, the outline of Niwot Ridge is breathtaking. The view of this foursome of jagged granite peaks is humbling and rewarding—especially during the last half-mile of this moderate trail, which is the steepest part of the whole trek. Niwot Ridge—which is made up of Navajo Peak (13,409 feet), Navajo Glacier, Apache Peak (13,441 feet), and Shoshoni Peak (12,967)—is probably a big reason why, despite the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area boasting more than 76,000 designated acres, the hike from Long Lake to Lake Isabelle remains one of its most popular. This trail is a good option from spring to fall, as long as it’s not icy; in the summertime, it boasts a variety of wildflowers of all different shapes and sizes. Even though you’ll inevitably be passed by a handful of hardcore runners chugging along the trail, it’s best to slow down and stop and smell the flowers on this hike.

Photograph by Tyra Sutak

Accessing the Long Lake Trailhead is easy once you pass through the Brainard Lake Recreation Area entry station, where you’ll fork over the $11 service fee for the day (cash or check only!). You can likely find space in the smaller Long Lake Trailhead parking lot if it’s before 8 a.m.; otherwise, park in the Brainard Lake parking lot. If you’re doing the latter, follow the trail that leads around the north side of the lake to the Long Lake Trailhead, where you’ll start your journey to Lake Isabelle. The series of signs for the “Isabelle Glacier Trail” along the hike are your guide. The wide trail is a steady incline that leads past small creeks and ponds, through dense patches of towering pine and spruce trees before emerging into a vibrant valley surrounded by rising peaks and covered in colorful wildflowers of all sorts, including sparse patches of columbines. While the majority of the trail is a slow and steady climb, the elevation gain picks up roughly 1.5 miles into the hike, and turns into a series of switchbacks that empty out over a trickling waterfall. Views of the peaks of Niwot Ridge pop out over the hillsides at this point. After crossing over the trickling waterfall, just a few more steps are all it takes to crest the last hill and get your first full glimpse of the sparkling waters of Lake Isabelle framed by the jagged peaks and the Isabelle Glacier. Here you’ll find a few benches and plenty of places to sit along edge of the water, enjoy a snack, and soak in the breathtaking scene before you.

Photograph by Tyra Sutak

Follow a narrow footpath to the left around the lake if you’re looking to grab the shot for your social media posts. Your journey could end here, or, if you follow the path to the right roughly 2.1 miles you’ll reach the Isabelle Glacier and another waterfall. The trail also connects to the Pawnee Pass Trail which leads to the top of Pawnee Pass, a strenuous 9.4 mile round-trip hike from the Long Lake Trailhead.

While this trail is dog-friendly, be sure to keep your pup on a leash to avoid any too-close encounters with the many roaming moose.

Getting There: Take Highway 36 through Boulder to Nederland. From Nederland, drive 13 miles north on Highway 72 to the town of Ward. Turn west onto County Road 102 towards the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The Long Lake trailhead is located on the west side of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, past the main entrance, and past the Brainard Lake Trailhead.

“Rise and shine! It’s going to be a beautiful day.” The clock read 4 a.m. as I struggled to read the text message from my dad. While he was no stranger to grossly early wake-up calls, I’d spent the last 33 years happily sleeping in. But if dragging myself out of bed before sunrise meant taking part in the first group hike my family had done together in over a decade, I figured I could make the sacrifice.

We arrived at the Mitchell Lake trailhead just as the first streaks of light washed over the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. Our footsteps crunched through the early morning silence, over foot bridges covered in thin layers of frost and through towering walls of sweet smelling pine trees. A break in the trees revealed a picturesque Mitchell Lake where fish dined on breakfast and rays of sunlight cut through curtains of steam rising from the water. The beautiful scene was captivating, so I followed my sister and parents along a short path to the edge of the water where we stood in silence, drinking it all in. A rustle back on the trail interrupted the quiet moment, and we turned to watch a mama moose and her baby stroll by. I smiled in solidarity, knowing that my family wasn’t the only family heeding the early morning wake-up call from the mountains.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.

Founder Adam Avery weighs in on the brewery’s journey so far while looking forward to a big anniversary party on August 4.

Adam Avery turns 52 this year, and his brewery, Avery Brewing Company, turns 25 next month—which means that the charismatic owner has led the iconic Boulder brewery for nearly half of his life.

Avery’s beer story began like so many others: In the midst of a quarter-life career crisis, the self-proclaimed “home brewer gone amuck” found new direction in his passion for beer, forgoing plans to attend law school and opting to draft up a business plan for a brewery instead. The plan made its way to Avery’s father, Larry, a then-recent retiree in search of investment opportunities, and a brewery was born. The duo opened Avery Brewing Company in the back alley of a small East Boulder business park in September 1993.

In the early days, Avery, a relatively inexperienced brewer, played it safe, releasing traditional beer styles into the local market such as the rich, roasty Ellie’s Brown Ale and a straightforward IPA. But in 2003, Andy Parker (Avery’s current “Chief Barrel Herder”) joined the team, bringing an excitement for high-gravity brewing (beer purposefully brewed to have a higher ABV percentage) and barrel aging. Together, Parker and Avery began experimenting. The result was recipes like Hog Heaven, a popular Imperial Red IPA with a 9.2-percent ABV, and eventually, a series of “gold foil” specialty beers that helped give Avery a niche in the quickly growing craft beer market. Soon, the quiet Boulder alley was transformed into a major destination for beer aficionados.

By the early 2010s, Avery Brewing had expanded to the point of hitting a wall—quite literally. Having reached the spatial limits within the alley, Avery began drafting plans for his “dream brewery,” a world-class brew house with a focus on efficiency and experimentation. Just over a year after breaking ground, on a snowy February day in 2015, Avery opened the doors to that dream, which ended up being a brewery, taproom, and restaurant. Inside the 67,000-square-foot facility sat a new custom-built German-engineered 85-barrel brew house capable of producing up to 150,000 barrels per year, a huge step up from the 50,000-some barrels the brewery produced in 2014.

With this high-tech brewing equipment, Avery was making some of the best beers of his career. His production levels increased from 52,805 barrels in 2015 to 62,097 barrels in 2016. From the outside, it looked as though business couldn’t get any better. Internally, Avery Brewing was battling demons.

The shiny new build had cost $27 million dollars. And although Avery had led the company for more than twenty years by that point, he found himself struggling to effectively move the business forward. He began to entertain partnership offers from outside investors. Previously, Avery had kept the door shut when “Big Beer” (the Anheuser-Busch InBevs and SABMillers of the world) came knocking. But when family-run Spanish brewing company Mahou-San Miguel came courting, Avery felt confident he had found a partner that could infuse financial support into his company and also help Avery become a better business owner.

In late 2017, the 70-30 partnership was announced; the craft beer community went into a full tailspin. Already scarred from the loss of breweries like Breckenridge Brewery and Wicked Weed to Big Beer, craft consumers were upset. Having sold 30 percent of his business, Avery was no longer considered an independent craft brewer in the eyes of the Brewers Association, a top resource for American breweries. (According to the Boulder-based organization, an American craft brewery must be independent and operate with at least 75 percent majority ownership in the business.)

Avery hasn’t paid much mind to all of the noise surrounding the deal. “It was the right thing to do at the right time,” he says. “We have Big Beer influence and knowledge without the baggage. I know who we are.” And as the dust continues to settle, Avery is already seeing the benefits of teaming up with Mahou-San Miguel, including receiving support and guidance on business decisions and assistance implementing necessary brewing practices to keep Avery’s beer at its best. “The more I’m in business, the less I know,” Avery says. “It’s a learning experience every single day.”

To celebrate the past 25 years, Avery is throwing an anniversary party on August 4. “This year’s party is a tribute to the beers that got us to 25 years, and to the beers that will write our future,” says Avery. The event will feature samples of more than 90 Avery brews, including vertical tastings of the Demons of Ale Series, 25 Barrel-Aged Series beers, and a first taste of a new offering, Raspberry Truffale, which will make its debut at the party. Tickets include unlimited two-ounce pours, live music from the Hop Pickers, Casino Effect, and Legitimate Front, and plenty of fun for the kids.

If you go: The Avery anniversary party takes place on August 4 from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased here.

The heat has been unbearable; relentless in its pursuit to drain my body of any semblance of energy or drive to spend time in it. For weeks, I’ve been an air conditioning junkie. I emerge from the comfort of my cool home in the mornings long enough to hop on two wheels and race the rising sun. But today, the air is cool, and the clouds are forgiving. The trail from Long Lake to Lake Isabelle is veiled with shade and for the first time in awhile I’m wearing long sleeves. The damp morning air is calm, but I push through it, moving my feet faster and faster the farther along the trail I get. It’s a foot race to the base of the Indian Peaks today; the rain clouds matching my pace as they drift in, up over the grimacing facade of the iconic peaks, engulfing the tips of the jagged ridgeline as they go. As I crest the last hill and descend into the valley towards the shores of Lake Isabelle, so too do the dark clouds — threatening to shower me with rain if I stay. So I take a deep breath, and let the sweet smell of the mountain air sink into my lungs and mind. Small drops of rain brush against my face as I sauver every last wildflower and colorful reflection in the lake before I go. Back at the trailhead, the menacing clouds have surrendered, giving way to streaks of sunshine. For the first time in weeks, I welcome the return of the sun.

Photo Location: Indian Peaks Wilderness

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.

It's always a good time to visit this snow- and sun-kissed city in the Sierra Nevadas.

More than 6,000 feet high in the Sierra Nevada mountains sits South Lake Tahoe, a friendly resort town that rests along the southern shores of its namesake—America’s largest (and arguably, its most splendid) alpine lake. It’s a welcoming city, with a local peak aptly named Heavenly, inviting beaches, and a varied climate—hot and dry in the summer; snow-packed in the winter—that lures all types of travelers and adventurers year-round. Whether you break out the road trip jams to tackle the lengthy drive from Denver or hop on a direct flight to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, where you can then catch a shuttle to South Lake Tahoe, it’s always a good time to explore this idyllic destination.

The Odometer: 1,018 miles, or about a 16-hour drive, from Denver

Get Outside

Photo courtesy of Tahoe South

Regardless of the season, South Lake Tahoe is brimming with outdoor adventures. In the wintertime, this resort town is full of snowboard- and ski-toting visitors looking to take advantage of 300-plus inches of snow that fall on average at Heavenly Ski Resort each year. With lift access from the downtown area, you’ll have to battle for first chair, but it’s worth it to soak in the views at the top of the mountain and explore the 4,630 skiable acres, two terrain parks, and 3,500 vertical feet that Heavenly has to offer.

In the summertime, the resort transforms into a popular place for hikers eager to take advantage of groomed trails, wildflower hikes, and rewarding views. But for a truly unique experience, we recommend Emerald Bay State Park. A National Natural Landmark, Emerald Bay is the place to capture the perfect photograph of the lake’s glistening waters. Start at the Rubicon Trail, an eight-mile round-trip hike that includes views of Vikingsholm, known as Tahoe’s Hidden Castle, a historic 38-room mansion inspired by Scandinavian architecture. (The trail can also be traversed by snowshoes in the winter.)

If you’re road-tripping to South Lake Tahoe, be sure to load up the bikes. Casual cyclists will enjoy the four-mile South Shore Bike Path, which rambles around the lakeshore, past ample places to stop and grab a bite to eat or a local craft brew. Downhill mountain bikers can choose from an array of aptly titled trails, like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride/Saxon Creek, a thrilling 10-mile classic downhill route that features challenging terrain and fast descents.

But perhaps the most popular outdoor activity in South Lake Tahoe is a simple trip to the beach. Both El Dorado Beach (also known as the Commons Beach) and Kings Beach draw sunbathers and boaters looking to enjoy their boat ramps and other amenities, like the barbecue and picnic facilities and designated swimming areas. While many beaches are closed to the public during cold weather months, summer visitors can expect to find crowds of both locals and tourists looking to have a little fun in the sun. Just be prepared to pay an entrance or parking fee to access your beach nirvana.

Eat & Drink

Photo courtesy of Tahoe South

Though relatively small, South Lake Tahoe’s dining scene is eclectic. You’ll find cuisine inspired by cultures all over the world, with a few local craft beer joints mixed in for good measure. Kick off the day with a filling breakfast at the Driftwood Cafe, a downtown breakfast and lunch eatery. This place is always busy, and rightfully so—the dishes here are massive and delicious. For breakfast, try a tasty plate of Eggs Benedict topped with a cheesy herb sauce, or spring for one of the handful of omelettes on the menu. When lunch rolls around, take a break from the trails and grab a seat at Base Camp Pizza Co., located a stone’s throw from the lifts in Heavenly Village. In addition to a huge selection of gourmet pizzas—we liked the pear and gorgonzola combo and the Thai Chicken Curry pizza—Base Camp also whips up some pretty tasty (and carb-loaded) Italian pasta dishes. Not ready to leave the slopes for lunch? The Tamarack Lodge offers up fast-casual, on-mountain eats, killer drink specials, and tunes courtesy of Tamarack’s resident DJ.

For a pre-dinner adult beverage, head to one of the city’s craft breweries, like the spacious ski-themed taproom at South Lake Tahoe Brewery. Beer drinkers can taste their way through 15 beers on the hop-forward menu, each one poured from a tap handle made from a ski pole. End the day with a nice meal at the Lake House, a timeless restaurant that’s a short drive from the city’s main drag, but worth the trip. Splurge on an expertly prepared filet mignon, duck, or steamed king crab legs, while enjoying a glass of vino from their tailored wine list, which offers options to complement every dish on the menu.

Stay

Photo courtesy of Basecamp South Lake Tahoe

If you’re a budget traveler or an outdoors aficionado just looking for a place to rest your head, book a room at the Base Camp Hotel, which is only a few blocks away from Heavenly Resort in one direction, and the shores of Lake Tahoe in the other. Nightly rates are around $129 in the winter, and $200 in the summertime. Each comfortable room is decorated with an outdoorsy vibe that perfectly captures South Lake Tahoe. Basecamp also leaves the notion of a stuffy hotel bar behind, instead offering guests a fun craft beer-focused lounge with a spacious outdoor patio, where guests can listen to live music and enjoy the outdoor fire pit. Another options is the Beach Retreat & Lodge, a cozy lakefront lodge with rooms between $94 to just over $150 per night. While the easygoing vibe and breathtaking views at this hotel will surely lure you into vacation mode, it’s the beach access and beachside Tiki Bar that keep people coming back every summer.

Of course, indoor lodging isn’t the only option. Campers looking to get off the grid can head into the Desolation Wildness, or to a handful of other campsites in the Lake Tahoe Basin managed by the U.S. Forest Service (find a list of available campsites online before you head out). For those looking for a less rugged experience with close proximity to beaches, Camp Richardson is a great option. The historic resort and marina dates back to 1904 and remains a blissful place to step back in time, unplug, and relax in nature. There are numerous lodging options to choose from, including tent camping, cabin rentals, hotel rooms, an inn, and the Richardson House—a seven-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom vacation rental steps from the onsite General Store, Ice Cream Parlor, and Mountain Sports Center. With amenities like parasailing and bike rentals, this iconic South Lake Tahoe gem stays busy in the summer, so book early.

For Families

Photo courtesy of Tahoe South

Relatively new to Heavenly Ski Resort is the activities-loaded EPIC Discoveryadventure course. Just a gondola ride away from Heavenly Village is an alpine roller coaster, ropes courses (for adults and children), a 500-foot tubing hill, zipline, granite peak climbing wall, and even a gemstone panning station, where visitors can pan for gold and keep any shiny nuggets they find. Activities can be reserved and purchased individually, or lumped together in the Ultimate Adventure Pass ($99 per person or $74 for participants under 54 inches), which provides access to most of the park’s activities and will keep your entire family entertained all day.

Shopping

Photo courtesy of Tahoe South

South Lake Tahoe is an artists hub, and as such, you’ll find just as many art galleries in town as you will touristy shops and the standard big name outdoor brands. Spend time strolling through the shops at Heavenly Village, but be sure to stop into On Tahoe Time, which sells interesting and cute keepsakes from the area, like custom topography and nautical maps carved out of wood and throwback-style paintings. The Earthbound Trading Co. is inspired by nomadic travels and provides shoppers an eclectic variety of clothing, jewelry, and home decor at reasonable prices. Just outside of Heavenly Village, visit Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery—a stunning gallery featuring a mix of paintings, many of which delicately capture the natural beauty found throughout the Lake Tahoe area.

If You Do One Thing

Take the 2.4-mile ride on the Heavenly Scenic Gondola. In winter and summer months, the gondola sweeps visitors up the mountain for exceptional views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding snowcapped peaks. Stop by the observation deck to snap a few photos and grab a drink at Cafe Blue before hiking one of the nearby trails. Pricing for the Scenic Gondola Ride varies from $58 to $64 throughout the year for adults, and $35 for children.

Bellingham, Washington is in a league of it’s own when it comes to natural beauty, ample outdoor activities, and most importantly, insanely good beer. The small coastal city of roughly 90,000 people is less than a two-hour drive from Seattle. Located a stones throw from the Canadian border, this picturesque, easy-going city boasts 15 road trip-worthy breweries where hoards of medals and awards serve as the the standard wall decor and bold Pacific Northwest flavors run rampant. Although the city is spread out along the scenic Bellingham Bay, the craft beer scene in this beer-centric community is pretty condensed, and easy to explore without renting a vehicle. From breweries setting the bar for traditional Pilsners, to one of the coolest little family-run farm breweries you’ll ever visit, check out these tips for beercationing in Bellingham this year.

Where to Drink:

I don’t know about you, but after a long day of summertime travel, the first place I seek out in a new city is a highly-recommended craft brewery with a cozy patio, and Wander Brewing Company has one of the best patios in town. Centrally located in a historic building in downtown Bellingham, Wander recently picked up the 2018 Washington Large Brewery of the Year award for their creative and expertly balanced line-up of barrel-aged beers, along with the brewery’s interesting and award-winning standard brews like the highly decorated Correspondent Foreign Extra Stout and the easy-drinking Uncommon California Common, which is made with an in-house Bavarian Lager yeast strain and a nice dose of Belgian Abbey malt. When the hunger pains start to roll in, head to Aslan Brewing Company. The popular brewery has two locations, both along the same street. At the Aslan Brewpub, you’ll find a sleek restaurant interior and bar with a lovely earthy vibe that weaves its way through the greenery that brings the clean, sleek decor to life, to the health-conscious menu. The all-organic, sustainably-minded brewery is serving up everything from refreshing lagers to bold hop-forward beers made with hops sourced in the Pacific Northwest — all of which pair exceptionally well with the hearty Bison Burger or one of the many lighter fare options on the dining menu. Take a short gander down the artsy streets of downtown Bellingham and you’ll find Aslan Depot — home of the brewery’s barrel aging and blending program. The spacious room is a throwback to classic speakeasies and an era when booze and handcrafted beverages were treated as a true art form. If I could, I would live at the Aslan Depot. Every single beer on this menu, from the numerous saisons and farmhouse-inspired ales to an IPA aged in a french oak Foeder, deserve a try at this Bellingham brewery. Also located in downtown Bellingham and worth the trip is Structures Brewing — but be forewarned: the massive amounts of hops and big flavors on the menu at the brewery will annihilate your palate in the best way. This brewery has IPAs for days, many of which are odes to the region’s thriving hop growing scene. You can’t go wrong at Structures, but if hoppy beers are your jam, a stop at this brewery should definitely be on your list. Also in the downtown area, you’ll find Menace Brewing, a small, but homey neighborhood watering hole with some pretty epic artwork of George Costanza and a menu filled with regionally-inspired beers. Menace is located just across the street from Melvin Brewing’s Bellingham brewpub as well as a short drive from Boundary Bay — the city’s oldest craft brewery which dates back to 1995. Venture out to the Sunnyland neighborhood and you’ll find Kulshan Brewing Company — a brewery with a cult-like following in the area, and one of the most laid-back and chill vibes and some of the best lagers in the city. If you’re looking for an easy-drinking sessionable beer, order up the Premium Lager, or better yet, the ridiculously clean, crisp German-Style Pilsner. But if you truly appreciate lagers that are expertly brewed and true to style, then Chuckanut Brewery is an absolute must-visit. If you only have time to visit one brewery while you’re in town, this brewery is it. Chuckanut’s well-traveled, longtime owners, Will and Mari Kemper are pioneers in craft beer, and two of the most welcoming, knowledgable members of the craft beer community. The brewery has an entire section of their website dedicated to awards, and rightfully so. Just recently, Chuckanut picked up two gold medals at the 2018 World Beer Cup — one for their beyond outstanding Bohemian Pils Lager and another for their Kölsch. The beautiful and insanely clear Helles Lager is also worth ordering a pint of at this Bellingham institution, where you’ll also find filling pub food and really some of the best views of Bellingham Bay. And while it’s not the easiest brewery to get to on this list, the charming and colorful grounds of the family-run Atwood Alesare worth the Lyft fare to experience for yourself. Located on an idyllic family farm roughly 30 minutes outside of downtown Bellingham, Atwood Ales is the story of generations, and beer centered around flavors found around the farm. Ever tried a tart, but refreshing saison made with stinging nettle? I have at Atwood Ales, and it was one of the best beers of I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying all year. The small but thoughtful brewery is also well-known in the area for their Dark Harbor Oyster Stout — a rich, but not-too-heavy stout that gets it’s subtle, slightly tangy flavor by adding entire oysters from the nearby Drayton Harbor Oyster Company into the kettle. Atwood isn’t open to the public on a regular basis, but check their website for public hours or special events that will allow you the opportunity to see this beautiful farm brewery for yourself.

Where to Stay:

The beauty of Bellingham’s low key vibe is that you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg to visit. On the outskirts of downtown, a short walk from both Menace Brewing and Melvin’s brewpub, is the Heliotrope Hotel — a revamped 1950s hotel complete with basic amenities, modern decor, and room rates that often fall under $100 per night. If you’re looking to explore Bellingham’s quaint Fairhaven historic district, and imbibe in beer by the neighborhood’s resident brewery, Stone’s Throw, whose outdoor patios and multiple outdoor fire pits serve as excellent places to end the night, check out the Fairhaven Village Inn. The historic property is super comfortable, situated in the middle of the town’s charming shopping and restaurant district and includes spacious rooms and a solid breakfast spread in the morning. If you’re planning on Amtrak-ing it to and from Bellingham, this hotel is also located just a short walk from the Bellingham train station.

How to Get There:

By train, plane, bus or automobile! I’ve found myself in Bellingham after traveling on all four modes of transportation — each one complete with stunning countryside and shoreline views that on a clear day, often include views of a snow-capped Mount Baker in all of its glory. Bellingham does have an airport, which is easy to get to and from downtown after a short Uber or Lyft ride. For those road-tripping from Seattle, the road to Bellingham is paved with scenic fields, coastal views and rolling mountains. The drive is incredibly relaxing and worth braving the heavy traffic you’ll inevitably run into as you make your way out of downtown Seattle. If you’re looking to leave the driving to someone else, catch an Amtrak-run bus or train that routinely run from Seattle to Bellingham and back every day. Catch the bus at King Station in Seattle and hop off at the Fairhaven Station, which is about a 10 minute ride into downtown Bellingham.

The unique, beer-derived spirit is now available throughout the state of Colorado.

It’s not beer, but technically, it’s not whiskey, either—Ska Brewingand Peach Street Distillers’ Modus Hoperandi Bier Schnapps sits in a class of its own. The distilled concoction begins its life as Ska’s deliciously bitter Modus Hoperandi IPA. It then takes a road trip from the brewery’s Durango headquarters to the small town of Palisade, where Peach Street Distillers president Bill Graham and his team run it through the still before aging it in the distillery’s bourbon oak barrels for eight months.

While the concept of schnapps in the U.S. is often associated with an overly sweet—often peppermint-flavored—drink, the Modus Hoperandi Bier Schnapps boasts a malty, floral aroma that’s rounded out with subtle caramel, vanilla, and oaky flavors from the oak barrel.

“Bier Schnapps crafted in the German tradition is simply beer that has been distilled to varying degrees of alcohol content,” Graham says. “In Germany, you say schnapps, and it means a lot of different alcohols.” At 92 proof, “it’s basically whiskey,” Graham says, noting that the use of distiller’s yeast in the brewing process gives the spirit more heat. “There’s some bite there,” he says.

The collaboration experimentation isn’t the first time the two companies have teamed up. Graham and Dave Thibodeau co-founded both Ska and Peach Street; Graham now oversees Peach Street, while Thibodeau heads up all operations at Ska Brewing.

The Modus Hoperandi Bier Schnapps is available in a limited run of 750 ml bottles in select retail stores throughout the state of the Colorado. Denverites looking to pick up a bottle of this delightful spirit can head to Argonaut Liquor or Davidsons Liquors. But don’t worry too much if you’re unable to snag a bottle from one of the 66 cases distributed throughout the state—Ska and Peach Street are already planning another Modus Hoperandi Bier Schnapps bottle release in early 2019.

Summer is here! Which means it’s time to welcome Elevation Outdoors newest intern! Although she’s a Florida girl at heart, Sophia Zayas’ passion for adventure and the outdoors make her a natural Coloradan. Read on to learn more about Team EO’s newest member and find out which pieces of outdoor gear she can’t get enough of, and where she’s planning her next great adventure.

Elevation Outdoors: What is your favorite beer?Sophia Zayas: I’m actually more of a wine connoisseur. But I do enjoy Hoegaarden Rosée by Brouwerij Hoegaarden. It’s a Belgian wheat beer with an abundant raspberry flavor that always leaves me wondering if I really just drank a beer, which is just how this wino likes her beer.

EO: Favorite color?SZ: My favorite color would have to be the calming but glowing blue of the Caribbean sea. It seems like for as many times as I’ve seen it; it never ceases to leave me amazed.

EO: Favorite outdoor brand?SZ: Being a Florida native, all I really need to get by is some ice cold water and a place to relax. For that reason, my two favorite outdoor brands would have to be YETI coolers and ENO hammocks.

EO: What’s your happy place?SZ: My happy place is the ocean. Whether it’s a day at the beach with friends, a family boat day, or a freediving trip, the calming sound and motion of the ocean’s waves will always feel like home.

EO: Favorite sport?SZ: I’ve always enjoyed sports that revolve around self-improvement, such as weightlifting, yoga and running. In the last year I’ve left my comfort zone and taken up surfing, wakeboarding and a little bit of skating and snowboarding. I’m falling in love with these board sports and the way they remind me that you’re never too old to try something new!

EO: Best advice you’ve ever been given:SZ: The best advice I’ve ever been given was “you get out what you put in.” I think when things may not be going your way or the way you expected them to, it’s important to reflect on your actions and efforts. Sometimes just a simple extra push can change everything. Nothing is more liberating than putting your life into your own hands.

EO: Tell us about your most epic adventure?SZ: One of my favorite and most epic adventures was a 3-week trip to Costa Rica. Venturing around the country came with kind souls, great food, new animal friends and some fantastic views; one being the view of the Arenal Volcano located in La Fortuna. After riding ATVs around the volcano my friends and I hiked through the Costa Rican rainforest where we were greeted by many of the native animals and ended the day with hot springs and mud masks.

EO: Where’s your favorite place to go outside and play?SZ: The mountains of Colorado have turned into my new playground. I love climbing up the massive boulders for the perfect lunch view and enjoying the intoxicating colors and smells of the beautiful wildflowers on the way down!

EO: What’s the next outdoor trip you’re planning?SZ: The next outdoor trip I’m planning is a camping trip to St. Mary’s Glacier here in Colorado. It will be my first time camping in the mountains and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!

It happened. I finally did it. After (most likely) being the last hold-out in the outdoor community to own Chaco tech sandals, I have officially added a pair of Chaco Z / Canyon 2’s to my shoe stash. An upgrade from the company’s popular Z / Canyon, Chaco’s most recent version of the sandal is revered for its whitewater-inspired design, versatility and boost in comfort. Maybe it was the heat of the summer, or the peer pressure of summer festival fashion trends, but I willingly made the decision to join the ranks of the diehard Chaco sandal owners, and I’m pretty happy that I did. If you’ve read any of my gear reviews on this site over the past few years, you’ve most likely gathered that I’m a fairly clumsy outdoor recreationist. I trip and stumble on trails like it’s my job. After 33 years on this planet, it just is what it is. You’ve probably also gathered that I’m always on the hunt for multi-purpose gear and apparel that help me maximize space in my trusty carry-on luggage during travels. The Chaco Z / Canyon 2’s address both of those issues. From town to the trails, these sandals are versatile and a one-stop-shop for travelers looking for casual, but tough, footwear that can just as easily be paired with your finest festival garb or an afternoon exploring a new city as it can trekking up dusty trails.

MSRP: $120.00

Pros: I’ll be honest. When I first looked down at my feet with these sandals strapped to them, I felt like I’d given up a little bit of my soul. Tech sandals are the ultimate summer fashion trend in the outdoor world. But then I started walking around, and scrambling along riverbanks, and hiking in the mountains on blazing hot summer days, and I finally understood why Chaco sandals have become a must-have piece of footwear for the outdoor community: they’re comfortable and they get the job (well, a lot of jobs) done. The comfort factor is achieved in part by a LUVSEAT™ dual-density PU midsole (in my case, a women’s-specific version, although this sandal is also available in men’s sizing), and partly from the Cloud 2.0 cushiony design that makes up the rest of the bulk of the sandal. The easily-adjustable top straps also add a level of comfort by allowing for a customized fit for every foot. The straps are loosened and tightened simply by the tug or pull of one adjustable buckle on the sandal, and in the case of these sandals, made with a durable polyester material with a minimalist approach (thick straps with a focus on necessity and not aesthetics). The Z / Canyon 2’s are also great hiking footwear, especially on a hot summer day. In the middle of Colorado’s most recent heave wave, the thought of embarking on an 8-mile hike in my trusty medium-weight hiking boots was unpleasant. So I strapped on the Z / Canyon 2’s, lathered the exposed skin on my feet with sunscreen (which I would recommend doing well in advance as to avoid getting your feet caked, and I mean caked … with dirt) and hit the trail. Although I had always steered clear of hiking in sandals, and my feet got insanely dirty, without the boot/sock/convection oven combo, my feet felt cool and lightweight throughout the entire hike. Several times along the trail I traipsed through big, often muddy puddles but Chaco’s signature ChacoGrip™ Plus rubber compound on the sole of the sandal worked like a charm and I never experienced any slipping or sliding as the result of a wet sandal. Additional toe and heel pods on the sole of the sandals add an extra level of traction. As a clumsy hiker, I usually opt for hiking boots with some re-enforcement on the toes, since I’m constantly tripping, but even as I tripped along the trail in these sandals, I never had any issues stubbing my toes or injuring my feet. Chaco’s Z / Canyon 2’s also have a running-inspired kinetic rebound plate to give you a little extra boost in your step, which I wouldn’t say was super noticeable, but a nice addition nonetheless. Chaco also has a pretty sweet repair program. While these sandals are very durable and made to be beaten up outside, the company will repair everything from the outsoles to the straps should your favorite pair of Chacos eventually need some love.

Cons: After hiking 8 miles on a dusty trail, I imagine the aftermath of the dirt and rocks that I left in my hotel shower that day was a con for the housekeeping crew that inevitably had to wash it all away. If you choose to really play hard outside in these sandals, prepare for your feet to get really, really dirty. I have a pretty average foot as far as width goes, and the middle of my foot is very close to running over the edge on both sides. Something to keep in mind if you have feet that fall on the wider side. And, these sandals took a little time to break in. I wore them for the first time in the middle of a move, and had blisters on the back and sides of my ankles the next morning. Like most outdoor footwear, be sure to spend plenty of time feeling them out before heading out on longer treks and adventures.

Where I Took It: Festival-hopping in Eagle, Colorado, exploring Elk Ave. and local hiking trails in Crested Butte, and out and about around town while enjoying a little time at home.

The Swedish outdoor brand’s annual multi-day trekking event will take place June 27-29 in Summit County.

Backpacking can be an intimidating activity to begin as a novice. But what if your first trek was with a group other backpackers and a team of support along for the ride? The Fjällräven Classic orchestrates just that.

Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven—the word translates to Arctic fox, a hardy, yet beautiful animal that serves as the logo of the nearly 60-year-old company—is known known for designing highly functional, yet approachable backpacks and outerwear for hikers and backpackers. It’s that approachability factor that inspired the brand to dream up and execute the first Fjällräven Classic event in 2005, a multi-day, supported group trek across some of the most scenic and welcoming landscape in the company’s home country of Sweden.

The concept of the event is simple: to make nature accessible to everyone. Fjällräven encourages everyone to responsibly and safely experience the rugged side of the outdoors by educating and emphasizing Leave No Trace practices, providing medical support along the trail, and organizing check-in and group camp sites. Community meals, technical support, and even even a few cold beers at the end of each day are also supplied. “It’s a very Swedish concept,” explains Nathan Dopp, President of Fjällräven’s North America operations. “We all need nature from time to time.”

Since launching the inaugural Classic in Sweden, the outdoor brand has expanded the annual event to Denmark, Hong Kong, and following the opening of a North American headquarters in Louisville, Colorado in 2012, to the United States. In 2016, the first Fjällräven Classic USA was held in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, drawing in roughly 100 participants. The following year, the event expanded to 200 participants who trekked 30-plus miles from Keystone to Copper Mountain in three days. In its third year, the event is set to be the biggest yet, with 400 participants expected to traverse 36 miles from Tennessee Pass, along sections of the Colorado Trail, over Kokomo Pass and Searle’s Pass from June 27-29, eventually descending down into Copper Mountain Ski Area for a celebration filled with food, drinks, and live music.

The 2018 route begins at an elevation of 10,448 feet, and includes a gain of 4,627 feet throughout the course of the trek. Fjällräven and brand partners such as Primus and Hanwag, makers of ultra-durable mountaineering and trekking boots, will be demoing gear and other outdoor-related products along the trail. Each element of the event is designed to allow curious trekkers a chance to experience a multi-day backpacking trip in a safe and supported environment—helping future backpackers learn the do’s and don’ts of exploring the backcountry before fully immersing themselves in the outdoors. The event is also perfect for solo backpackers who don’t necessarily have a posse to head out on a multi-day trip with, says Dopp. Though 400 people will fill the trails of Summit County during this year’s Classic, each participant is encouraged to go at their own pace, and to stop and take in the views along the way.

“It’s not a race or a competition,” says Dopp, a mantra that the outdoor brand also promotes with their products, which focus on evolving original and innovative technology to provide the best, most comfortable protection for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

Tickets to participate in this year’s Fjällräven Classic $299 per person and can be purchased here.

Whether you’re an amateur or aspiring pro, there’s no better place to practice the fine art of nature photography than within the mesmerizing, rust-colored walls of Arizona’s famed slot canyons. In warm weather months, camera-toting tourists pack into guided tours of Antelope Canyon, located a short drive from Page, Arizona, where the weird walls and narrow spaces create endless options for artistic eyes. A guided tour arranged through one of the approved Navajo nation tour companies is required to explore these slots. Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours (AACPT) specializes in photours. Co-owned by celebrated photographer Lionel Bigthumb, AACPT offers small and private guided tours of Upper Antelope (which the Navajo calls Tsé bighánílíní, “the place where water runs through rocks”), as well as Owl, Rattlesnake, Mountain Sheep and three private slot canyons. The team both teaches the history of this popular outdoor destination and provides pro tips on how to better photograph the place. If you want a real treat, book one of the night tours. $151 to $283 per person. navajoantelopecanyon.com

Thanks to a thirst-quenching combination of beer and lemonade, or other light-bodied nonalcoholic beverages, radler beers are one of the most refreshing alcoholic beverages to cool off with during the warm summer.

In German, “radler” translates to “cyclists,” and the story goes that an unexpected mass of cyclists are what inspired Franz Xaver Kugler to come up with the drinkable concoction at his inn just outside of Munich in 1922. Faced with more cyclists than beer, the quick-thinking inn owner mixed up a 50/50 combination of a helles lager and lemon soda to stretch his beer supply farther, and the rest is history.

Today, the modern take on this European classic often includes grapefruit instead of lemon, and fruit puree in place of soda. But one thing remains the same: the cycling community and craft beer lovers are still looking for a refreshing, low ABV beer to sip on in the summer, and these pro-radler breweries are happy to oblige.

Summer Radler Beers

Roadie Grapefruit Radler | Great Divide Brewing Co. | Denver

When the owner of the brewery is as big of an avid cyclist as Great Divide‘s owner and founder, Brian Dunn, there’s bound to be a radler on the beer menu. A leader in the modern radler beer revolution, Dunn and his team are brewing up this easy-drinking ale with grapefruit puree, and serving the slightly tart, but oh-so-refreshing drink in 12 ounce cans — perfect for stashing in a bike-pack to crack open and celebrate with after a grueling ride.

Ginger Lemon Radler | Boulevard Brewing Co.| Kansas City

The use of lemons in radlers dates back to the beginning, but Boulevard Brewing Co. is putting their own zesty twist on the drink by adding ginger to the party. The citrusy and slightly spicy one-two punch makes this low 4.1% ABV beer a go-to in Kansas City and beyond. Since releasing the seasonal beer in cans in 2015, Boulevard has gone on to add variations of the radler to their line-up, like the tangy Cranberry and Orange Radler made with the juice of blood oranges. Both are currently available in cans at Boulevard accounts nationwide.

Re: Fresh Radler | Wisconsin Brewing Co. | Verona, WI

Not only is Wisconsin Brewing Company’s Re: Fresh Radler full of bright and citrusy flavors, it’s made with 100 percent Wisconsin ingredients. The brewery uses grapefruit soda and a classic lager to create one heck of a juicy and flavorful combination. A beer this refreshing tends to disappear pretty quickly, which is why the smart folks at Wisconsin Brewing Co. are packaging it in 16-ounce cans.

SPF 50/50 India Pale Ale Radler | Red Hare Brewing Co. | Marietta, GA

Red Hare Brewing Company‘s modern take on a traditional radler involves mixing their housemade grapefruit soda with the brewery’s Gangway IPA, a stretch from the typical lagers and light-bodied ales most commonly used to make the drink. The final product? A refreshing radler with a big hop profile that is perfect for IPA fans who can’t quite decide which beer style to quench their thirst with on a hot summer afternoon.

Peach Beerlini Radler | Left Hand Brewing Co. | Longmont, CO

Left Hand Brewing Company has been cranking out some new beers to kick off 2018, including a Peach Beerlini Radler, which is an easy-drinking, effervescent ale made with peach nectar. At 4.1% ABV and only 8 IBUs, the Peach Beerlini is not only drinkable, it’s packaged in 12-ounce cans and portable enough to tow along on one of the long list of outdoor adventures to be had in the brewery’s home state of Colorado.

Cage Radler | Victory Brewing Co. | Downington, PA

For a brewery inspired by German brewing traditions, it’s easy to see how a radler ended up on the menu at Victory Brewing Company. The Pennsylvania-based brewery combines a crisp lager with sparkling lemon soda to create an extremely drinkable beverage with a hint of maltiness that balances out the citrusy lemon flavors that make this a classic summer beer.

Lightshine Radler | Wibby Brewing Co. | Longmont, CO

At Wibby Brewing in Longmont, Colorado, it’s all lagers, all of the time. Visitors can’t get enough of Wibby’s Lightshine Radler, which is the Lightshine Helles combined with a splash of house-made raspberry lemonade that visitors. The crisp and easy-drinking radler is available on draft and in cans and pairs perfectly with patio weather.

Whether you’re a hardcore cyclist or a summertime patio dweller, take a page from Franz Xaver Kugler’s book and cool off with a refreshing radler this season.

Meet four women who are changing the face of fly fishing and inspiring more female anglers to get out on the water.

In 2017, the popular rod and tackle manufacturer Orvis launched the 50/50 On the Water program aimed at addressing inequality in the sport of fishing. The sudden spotlight called out stark gender disparities on the water. And rightfully so: According to a 2017 “Special Report on Fishing” released by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the Outdoor Foundation, women make up only roughly 30 percent of the fly fishing community. That means there’s a long way to go to achieve equality in the sport. But for the following four Colorado women, bridging that gap is more than just a passion, it’s part of the job.

Maddie Brenneman

Fly-Fishing Guide, Instagram Influencer, Advocate

In the 2017 report the RBFF revealed that nearly 34 percent of males thought that a fishing participant would look like them, while just 19.3 percent of women thought the same. Perceptions of what a typical angler looks like have always skewed towards men in the male-dominated industry, but fly fishing guide and Instagram sensation Maddie Brenneman is changing all of that.

At 27 years-old, Brenneman has already made quite a name for herself in the sport of fly fishing. For the past three years, the young guide has been heading up the fishing program at the historic C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado—a job she recently left to join the team of guides at the 520-acre North Fork Ranch on the South Platte River. But if you’re one of the 105,000 people that follow her on Instagram, you probably know Brenneman as a globe-trotting nomad sharing stories (and gorgeous photos by her photographer boyfriend Nick Kelley) of fly fishing-inspired adventures all over the world. Social media has the potential to be a powerful tool when it comes to changing gender perceptions in the sport since it widely distributes images of women out casting in beautful locations and posing with big fish. Brenneman is one of a handful of female anglers who have amassed huge social media followings in recent years, giving women a new face to pair with the perception of what the typical angler looks like.

“I never imagined that I could travel to fly fish somewhere and make a living,” says Brenneman who has also partnered with big brands including Yeti and Buff in her career.

Although the spotlight has spawned pressure to be the best, Brenneman remains humble.

“Some days I can figure the river out, and sometimes I can’t. I make good casts and I make terrible casts, all in the same day. I catch big fish and I catch little fish, sometimes I don’t catch any fish at all, because that’s fly fishing.”

Her advice to fishing-curious women: “A rod is a rod, and an expensive rod means nothing if you don’t know how to fish with it. Avoid expensive gear to start and invest in a guide that can teach you.”

April Archer

CEO/Founder of SaraBella Fishing

When April Archer first started building custom fly rods with ergonomically comfortable grips to fit a variety of hands, she ultimately had one goal in mind: “to help people get outdoors, get out on the water and have fun in the wilderness,” she says. But her efforts quickly rippled throughout her community in the Denver Metro Area, and eventually trickled down to elementary schools in the state where she volunteers her time educating kids about the benefits of fishing.

“Fly fishing is a wonderful way to teach kids and young girls about focus, having fun, science—including entomology and physics, how the water moves—and about weather patterns, fish species and the cycle of life,” says Archer, a mother of three young girls.

Growing up in an outdoorsy family, Archer remembers always being drawn to fishing, with her passion for the sport and its intricacies beginning at a young age. “I got my first fishing pole when I was 18 months old,” she says. But like many women in the sport, Archer truly became an avid fly angler when she met her husband JT, who currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer at SaraBella, the brand that builds fly rods especially for women and girls that she founded in 2014. Today, she continues to volunteer her time to organizations like Colorado Women Flyfishers where she helps connect and educate women interested in the sport.

While Archer plans to continue to promote the kind of “smart, beautiful fishing” that her brand is known for, her larger goal is to help the landscape of the sport to change as her daughters grow older. “I hope they continue to get outside and to use fly fishing and outdoor sports as a way to stay healthy, enjoy life and gain perspective,” she says. “I also hope that for them, everyone is just an ‘angler’ later in life.”

Her favorite place to fish in Colorado: “I love fishing urban ponds and urban creeks, like South Boulder Creek through the city of Boulder, and Bear Creek just west of Morrison. The main clues to look for when finding a good urban fishing spot are bird life, insect activity and water flow or oxygen bubbles.”

Kara Armano

Freelance Communications Specialist

Fly fishing runs in Kara Armano’s blood—but so does protecting the land we fish on. “Fishing was a way to spend time with my family,” says Durango-based Armano, who works as a freelance communications specialist with big name fishing brands like Redington and Sage. She touts her grandmother as being one of the biggest inspirations in her passion for the outdoors. “She always made it clear that it was important to take time out and absorb your surroundings. Just being observant and taking your time watching where you walk and seeing what there is out there. I think that always resonated with my exploratory nature,” Armano says.

That connection to nature led Armano to a position co-leading advocacy and educational efforts at Artemis (artemis.nwf.org), a new initiative from the National Wildlife Federation that encourages female outdoor enthusiasts to be the complete “sportswoman.” Armano describes that moniker as “somebody who can go out there and see these wild places for what they are, and then come back to civilization and communicate what those places and that wildlife means to you.”

Since she spends so much time on the front lines of the women’s gear revolution in the fly fishing industry, Armano is happy to see growth and development happening in female-specific fly fishing gear, but she encourages women and all consumers to support conservation efforts and protect public lands vis a vis smart gear choice. “It’s important to do a little research on the front-end of who that brand is,” she says. “What does [a certain company] support? What do they communicate through their marketing messages? What non-profits do they support through funding, time or donations, or whatever that may be? See if that aligns with your idealism in terms of what that conservation message should be.”

Her one piece of must-have gear for fishing excursions: “I wear Redington Women’s Sonic Pro Waders, which are awesome. They’re made from heavy-duty fabric, and they last. They have a feminine cut, but they’re not overly female. And they fit all kinds of different chest sizes.”

Becky Leinweber

Co-Owner of Angler’s Covey, Founder of Pikes Peak Women Anglers

Like a lot of women, Becky Leinweber’s first fly fishing experience was with her husband—and it didn’t go well. “He took me out, and like so many people teaching their significant other, it wasn’t an overly positive experience,” she says, adding that it wasn’t until the pair found a women’s-only fly fishing camp that Leinweber really began to develop her skills and passion for the sport.

The couple would eventually go on to build and grow Angler’s Covey in Colorado Springs, now a 6,500-square-foot mecca of an outdoor retailer shop, equipped with two casting ponds and employing 30 fly fishing guides, five of which are women. But that initial learning experience stayed with Leinweber and served as the inspiration for the inception of Pikes Peak Women Anglers (bit.ly/2L8T9AY), a welcoming community for female fly fishing enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. “The camaraderie is a really big part for us,” she says, emphasizing how important the social component of the group has been for members. “Some members have found lifelong friends.”

On the retail floor of Angler’s Covey, customers will often find a female salesperson. “With my own journey before I became a fly-fisher, I would enter into a fly shop and only see men. I felt intimidated and I didn’t feel very welcome,” says Leinweber. “We made it a point that we didn’t want that to be the case in our shop. When you see someone that you can identify with when you walk into the shop, it’s a little easier.”

Her favorite species to fish for out on the water? “Small brookies. I think they are so beautiful and they have the most gorgeous coloring. They’re found in the most out-of-the-way places and they’re always eager because they haven’t seen a lot of flies.”

On a recent evening, executive chef Oscar Padilla was making the rounds in Tamayo’s dining room, dropping off bowls of cucumber-tomatillo ceviche and chatting up diners as he walked them through his new spring menu. Clad in his signature ivy flat-brim hat, the Los Angeles, California native animatedly described his favorite dishes: the Calabacitas salad composed of delicate, thin slices of Mexican zucchini, chayote, and heirloom tomatoes dressed in a zingy habanero gazpacho, and the Oaxacan salmon, which is served on a rich bed of spiced mole negro, enhanced with the peppery ash from charred chile peppers.

Chef Oscar Padilla. Photo courtesy of Tamayo

Padilla took on the role of executive chef in late 2016, and his light, colorful fare fits right in with prolific global restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s mission at the now 17-year-old Tamayo. That’s likely because Padilla is no rookie to Richard Sandoval Hospitality group, having opened nearly 15 concepts for the company as a corporate trainer.

In refreshing Tamayo’s menu, Padilla turned to the dishes of Mexico City that he often shared with his own family. “The concept of this food is when people come in, they discover dishes from Mexico,” explained Padilla, who wants to shift the American perception of “authentic” Mexican-style cooking from fajitas and enchiladas to dishes that showcase the country’s amazing fresh produce and seafood.

The passionate chef is doing just that by prioritizing fresh, high-quality ingredients—some sourced from Colorado farms and others imported direct from Mexico, like slightly sweet Mexican zucchini, five different types of peppers, and specialty cinnamon. He’s also made sure his menus offer dishes that accommodate all types of diners, from vegans and vegetarians to the gluten-averse. “I want to make food for everybody,” Padilla says.

Indeed, there’s a lot to love on the new menu, from oh-so-tender pork carnitas to a cobia aguachile garnished with micro-veggies from Pueblo’s Milberger Farms. Whatever you do, be sure to save room for dessert: Padilla’s tres leches bread pudding, cinnamon-y banana empanada, or cooling cucumber margarita sorbet are all worthy ends to a meal.

One of Colorado’s best kept adventure town secrets is just a short drive from Denver.

Hidden in the gently rolling foothills of Colorado is the small town of Lyons—an under-the-radar adventure destination and the unofficial “Double Gateway to the Rockies.” For decades, thousands of people have passed through the small town en route to the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, which can be accessed via two scenic 30-minute routes that begin in Lyons. But in recent years, the town itself has become a destination, mostly due to its access to outdoor activities.

Avid mountain bikers, hikers, kayakers, and day-trippers looking to soak in the cool waters of the St. Vrain River or stroll through the town’s historic Main Street flock to the quiet yet vibrant town each summer. Like every great outdoor hub in Colorado, Lyons is home to a delightful après scene composed of colorful patios, a trailblazing brewery, good eats, and plenty of live entertainment. Whether you’re in search of a place to dip your feet in the river for an afternoon, or looking for the perfect music-filled, outdoorsy weekend getaway, add Lyons to your list—you won’t be disappointed.

The Odometer: 43 miles (about an hour drive from Denver, one-way)

Get Outside

Photo Courtesy of Eddie Clark Media

No need to battle the I-70 corridor to find adventure this summer. Load up your bikes, hiking shoes, kayak, and picnic supplies, and head to Lyons instead. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking two-wheeled adventures, you’re sure to find them on the trails of Hall Ranch or Heil Valley Ranch—two pockets of sprawling Boulder County open space, both of which are just a short ride from downtown Lyons. For hardcore mountain bikers, Hall Ranch offers challenging technical elements, like the tricky Rock Garden on the Bitterbrush Trail. Riders seeking a less challenging ride can hop Antelope Trail, which bypasses the Rock Garden altogether, or tackle the slightly mellower Picture Rock trail in Heil Valley Ranch, a popular trail network for both mountain biking and hiking. Both trails serve as wonderful places for visitors to stretch their legs, take in a scenic vista or two, and marvel at incredible views of Longs Peak.

Lyons also has its own Whitewater Park with eight features spread out over a quarter-mile. Kayakers can find the Whitewater Park in the recently renovated LaVern M. Johnson Park, which is also home to an RV park with full hook-ups and tent camping. Camping fees start at $20 per night for tent campers and $40 per night for RVs. Visitors just looking for reprieve from the summer heat will find it on the waters of the St. Vrain Creek. The North and South forks of the river converge in the heart of the town and are typically stocked with swimsuit-clad tubers out for a relaxing float. Anglers can also cast a line in an attempt to catch cutthroat, brook, or brown trout (catch and release only).

Eat & Drink

Photo courtesy of Tyra Sutak

Where there’s an abundance of outdoor activities, there’s usually a thriving dining scene delivering hearty dishes and refreshing beverages; Lyons is no exception. In the center of town is Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, the place where craft beer was officially packaged and sold in a can for the first time. On a sunny afternoon, the brewery’s many patios are filled with bikers and hikers, fresh off the trail. Grab a refreshing Dale’s Pale Ale, the brewery’s flagship beer, or one of the special or limited releases made onsite, and a plate of hearty grub food, like one of the many loaded juicy burgers on the menu. Oskar Blues also offers a good mix of live music on the weekends.

To get your caffeine fix in town, visit the Barking Dog Cafe, which features an outdoor patio on the sidewalk of Main Street, or head to the Stone Cup, a family-run joint that serves as a popular hangout for the locals. Pick from one of the many breakfast beverages on the menu and order one of the tasty, budget-friendly breakfast dishes from the kitchen. Breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, freshly baked goods, and housemade quiche can all be found for under $10.

For lunch and an adult beverage, head to Pizza Bar 66. This no-frills pizzeria sells a variety of pies, which all pair well with the nationally acclaimed craft beer on tap. Stop in during happy hour, from 3 to 6 p.m., for drink specials including $2.50 cans of PBR. For a soul-saving bite to replenish calories lost on the trail, head to St. Vrain Market. This local gem offers substantial sandwiches on bread baked fresh in-house. And at night, when you’ve washed off the grit from the day and are ready to sit down for a nice meal, there’s no better place than the Lyons Fork, which offers a seasonally inspired menu and some of the best truffle fries in Boulder County. Bonus if you can snag a table during the restaurant’s bustling brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Stay

Photo courtesy of Wee Casa

You won’t find any chain hotels in this fiercely local town. Instead, visitors can stay at WeeCasa, an idyllic riverfront property made up of 20-plus individual tiny homes, all within walking distance from Main Street. Thought to be the world’s largest tiny home resort, nightly rates range from $139 to $299 and book up quickly in the summer. Although not within walking distance to the town’s main attractions, the Stone Mountain Lodge offer a laid-back mountain town vibe and an outdoor pool. You’ll need a car to get around if you’re staying at this mountainside hotel, but Stone Mountain’s budget-friendly rates and quaint cabins are worth the drive. The town also has an active Airbnb scene, so don’t be discouraged if you’re unable to book a hotel room for the dates of your visit.

For Families

Photo courtesy of Tyra Sutak

There’s no greater family pastime in the hot summer months than swimming, and the town of Lyons has a few dedicated swimming holes and parks along the river that are safe and filled with fun for your little one. Lavern M. Johnson Park, which received a facelift and a name change following the devastating flood that hit the town in 2013, includes shallow shores along the river, as well as a splash pad, both of which are brimming with little ones throughout the summer months. And what’s a day at the pool without an ice cream cone? The SNACK soda fountain is a staple in town for kids and ice cream lovers alike. The reincarnation of the town’s original soda fountain from the late 1800s is still serving traditional ice cream treats, like egg creams, chocolate sodas, and hand-spun milkshakes at the beautifully preserved original eight-stool fountain bar.

Shopping

If you’re into antiques, Lyons is your spot. Antique shops are on just about every corner—and they’re fun and funky and full of all types of weird treasures. Both Gatherings of a Lifetime and Rosey’s Rescues have become popular shops for old-timey finds. Both boast large selections of vintage items and antiques packed into a small space, with Rosey’s offering a larger array of clothes, and Gatherings of a Lifetime selling more odds and ends for home decor. For unique arts and crafts, pay a visit to Red Canyon Art, a longtime shopping staple in town that features work from local artists crafting handmade jewelry, ceramics, leather goods, fine art, photography and more. Lyons is home to a spirited artist community whose creations can be purchased at many of the shops around town.

If You Do One Thing

Photo Courtesy of Eddie Clark Media

Go to one of Lyons folky summer music festivals. The RockyGrass festival (July 27-29) and the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (August 17-19) both take place at Planet Bluegrass, a music venue that has been hosting iconic festivals and big names for many years. Camping is available onsite for both fests—and why not stay awhile? A weekend-long music festival is the perfect opportunity to head to the foothills, and take in everything this small, adventurous town has to offer.